Following a directive from the Dutch government, Apple has removed dozens of mobile betting applications from its App store in the Netherlands. The Dutch gambling regulator, the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), ordered the company to remove 55 real-money gambling and online casino apps back in May. These included app offerings from global mobile sports betting brands such as Unibet and Bwin, which Dutch law bans from servicing smartphone and tablet users in the country.​

​Dutch iOS users were momentarily able to bypass the ban thanks to Apple’s housing of the apps, despite mobile gaming being banned in the Netherlands. And that has now left the US-based tech powerhouse facing a fine of up to €810,000.

Apple rival Google avoided scrutiny from regulators after deciding not to make mobile betting apps available to Android users through its Google Play platform.

As well as Apple’s infringement, there have been other instances of operators allowing unauthorized online gaming activity in the Netherlands.

At least six operators have received fines from the KSA over the past three years, including UK companies XKL Limited and Total E Soft Limited, who were fined a combined €180,000 for offering Dutch consumers access to a variety of online gaming sites.

The examples highlight that the country’s outdated regulations have failed to keep up with the trend of sports bettors moving away from computers to instead wager on an iPhone, Samsung Galaxy or other mobile device.

The Dutch government’s hand has in many respects been forced, with the country now looking to update its laws to avoid similar scenarios in future.

New legislation that will hand companies online licenses for mobile betting services has been tabled, but delays have thus far prevented it passing through the upper house of parliament.

Mobile betting apps are expected to be legalized in the Netherlands by 2018.